The satsuma solar system
A satsuma has become the sun in a solar system small enough to fit on a placemat.
The elf has been stargazing and has built a solar system small enough to fit on the breakfast table. A satsuma takes the place of the sun, with hand-coloured paper planets set out across a dark placemat.
Children name the planets, decide what lives on each one and wonder which might be the best place for growing mince pies. It’s a creative ten-minute set-up that sparks plenty of curious questions about space, and the sun makes a tasty snack afterwards.
How to set it up
- Colour and cut out three paper planets of different sizes. Give one stripes and another a ring.
- Arrange the planets at increasing distances from the satsuma. Sit the elf at the edge of space.
- Let the children name the planets and decide which one grows mince pies.